Mothers Who Make is an international grass roots movement, dedicated to supporting the dual role of mothers and maker/artist/creative. Our Torbay, Devon hub aims to connect local mother makers through peer support meetings, sharing event, workshops and online discussion. We founded this hub in September 2019 as part of Mothers Who Make Devon.
Who is it for?
Every kind of maker is welcome- professional and/or passionate – writers, painters, performers, film makers, musicians, technicians, producers, bakers, crafters, taxidermists, academics …. Every kind of mother/non binary parent is welcome - biological, adoptive, step, surrogate, foster, bereaved, grand, great grand, to be ….
Children, of any age, are welcome. Your dual role as mother and maker is given equal status at all our events.
We want as many people as possible to be part of the unfolding MWM conversations. Our reach is across generations and art forms – we are thrilled by the plurality of voices that are part of this discussion.
Every MWM hub shares a common ethos and practice but is able to grow and develop in response to the needs and interests of the regional artists that attend it. You are invited to join and help shape this inspiring and growing movement.
What to expect from your hub:
Peer Support:
These meetings aim to give you the space to explore your creative practice and identities alongside your caring roles. We have a core peer-support talking circle structure which we explain at the start of every meeting. Each meeting is facilitated by a local mother-artist and together we explore the emergent themes in our mothering and making, points of connection between the two roles, points of dissonance, particular challenges, helpful resources. The meetings are non-hierarchical, the facilitator acts as a guide to take you through the meeting, but also share as a fellow mother maker.
Next Meeting:
We are currently planning our 2021 activity. Please contact Anna at Torre Abbey for an update or see the Facebook group.
Email: Anna.Gilroy@torbay.gov.uk
Connect to the wider MWM networks
Where:
The Learning Lab, Torre Abbey, The King’s Drive, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5JE
Please note there is no parking directly on site but there is a car park next door at the Riviera Centre – follow signs to Torre Abbey section and it brings you right next door to us. Alternatively we are only a few minutes walk from the train station and nearby bus stops.
MWM Torbay is produced by:
Anna Gilroy - Exhibitions & Programmes Manager at Torre Abbey and Mother to Eoin (7) and Cara (4).
Kate Richards - Learning Officer at Torre Abbey, Director of Squircle Arts and Mum to 3 young children.
Jade Campbell - Director of Doorstep Arts and a busy mum!
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“Mothers Who Make is a place to share experience, network and connect simply on a human level at a time when they may feel particularly isolated. It also offers a forum and springboard to potentially make new work.”
“MWM is a brilliant initiative - It was a huge part of me feeling more positive about my pregnancy, moving to a new city and trying to make work there.”
“I felt like I wasn’t an artist anymore because I wasn’t making anything. I felt lost in my creative practice and isolated from the arts community before I joined. But the circle of women at every meeting inspired me to keep making, to value my mothering, to find the creativity in caring, and motivated me to keep going. Now I’ve written a solo show I’m taking around to the festivals this summer. All because of the support and inspiration I got from MWM.”
MWM Devon was a 2020 pilot produced by Lizzy Humber and supported by:
